9 Awesome Things To Do In Coober Pedy
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Australia is a vast country with plenty of interesting places to visit. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, be sure to add Coober Pedy to your list. This unique town is located in the middle of the Australian desert and is known for its massive opal mines, underground churches, and movie locations.
While it may not be on the radar for most tourists, there are several things to do in this unique town. From exploring the opal mines to checking out the Hollywood Sign, Coober Pedy offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
During my road trip from Adelaide to Darwin, it was obvious that I stopped in Coober Pedy as I heard many great things about the town. Now I can share some of my favorite things to do in Coober Pedy with my own experience.
READ ALSO: The Big Lap: the ultimate road trip around Australia in 2 years
Where is Coober Pedy?
Situated in South Australia, Coober Pedy is 850km north of Adelaide and about 700km south of Alice Springs. It is a popular stopover for those traveling from Adelaide to Darwin or Darwin to Adelaide.
How to Get to Coober Pedy?
There are several ways to get to Coober Pedy. The most popular way is by car, as the roads are very good from both Adelaide and Alice Springs and you can see a lot of interesting places along the way.
If you drive from Adelaide to Darwin (like I did) you will pass Lake Bumbunga, Hart Lake, and the small town of Glendambo.
Flights to Coober Pedy?
Mostly residents and mine workers are flying from Adelaide to Coober Pedy but also tourists can fly to Coober Pedy.
However, If you plan to fly and rent a car on the spot, check out the flight options below. Just keep in mind that flights are limited and on specific days.
Best Time To Visit Coober Pedy
The best time to visit Coober Pedy is during the cooler months of April to September. However, be aware that it can get very cold at night during this time. The hottest time of year is from October to March when temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius.
I went in July, which is winter, but the temperatures are very pleasant during the day and cooler during the nights. so make sure you bring some warmer clothes at this time of the year.
Where To Stay In Coober Pedy?
There is a range of accommodations in Coober Pedy, from the campground to hotels and bed and breakfasts. There are also a few underground hotels in town, which offer a unique experience.
When you are planning to travel to Coober Pedy in the high season (from June to September), make sure you book accommodation in Coober Pedy in advance.
TIP: Visit the Old Timers Mine Museum and stay for free at their camping.
This is a great option for those looking for camping facilities or even a family room. It’s also home to a swimming pool, which is a great way to cool down in the desert heat.
Prices start from AU$ 40/night for a powered site
If you’re looking for a more comfortable option, the Comfort Inn is a great choice. It offers air-conditioned rooms and a bar and restaurant. It’s also located close to the town centre.
Prices start from AU$ 40 per night for an unpowered campsite
9 Awesome Things To Do In Coober Pedy
Watch The Sunset At The Big Winch
One of the most popular spots in Coober Pedy is the Big Winch. Located on the edge of town, this spot offers panoramic views below the desert. As the sun sets, the colors are truly spectacular and well worth a visit.
While its 360-degree views make it popular for tourists but also for photographers. So whenever you make a plan to watch the sunset in Coober Pedy, make sure to add the Big Winch to your list!
Visit The Old Timers Mine Museum
Opened in 1984, the Old Timers Mine Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Coober Pedy. This museum contains relics from the town’s early days, including mining equipment and tools.
for only AU$ 15/per person you can do a self-guided tour where you follow the numbers on your map and wander through the tunnels of the mine. The best thing is that you can take the time to explore and learn more about the opal mines.
READ ALSO: 16 Amazing Things to do in Adelaide
Watch A Movie In The Outdoor Cinema
One of the unique experiences in Coober Pedy is watching a movie at the outdoor cinema. This open-air cinema is set among the dunes of the desert and offers a great view of the stars above.
Movies are shown every Saturday, so be sure to check out the schedule when you’re in town. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Take A Photo At The Hollywood Sign Of Coober Pedy
Just like the Hollywood sign in California, Coober Pedy has its own version. Built by the local Tourism Association in 2018 as a tribute to all those films featuring this town onscreen.
It stands 3 meters high and can be found just above Main Street near Naylor Place. You need to walk to the end of the street and then walk on the dirt path up to reach the sign.
It is a popular spot for photos and makes for a great landmark when you’re lost in the desert. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit!
Visit An Underground Church
One of the unique things about Coober Pedy is that many of its churches are located underground. These churches were built to keep cool in the hot desert climate and offer a fascinating look into the town’s history.
Some of the most popular underground churches include St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Uniting Church. So, check out at least one of these churches during your visit!
I went to the Serbian Orthodox Church and it is fascinating to see how the church is built.
Explore The Famous Movie Decorations and sculptures
Coober Pedy is a popular location for filmmakers, as it offers a unique and visually stunning backdrop. Many famous movies and TV shows have been filmed in this town, including Mad Max, Star Trek, and Pitch Black
As you explore Coober Pedy, be sure to keep an eye out for the movie decorations scattered throughout the town. They’re a fun way to experience some of the most famous films ever made!
Enjoy A Panoramic View Over The Breakaways
Another great spot to enjoy the views of the desert is from the top of the Breakaways. This range of hills offers a stunning panoramic view of the landscape below. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or catch a glimpse of the stars at night.
Furthermore, the Breakaways are a popular spot for hiking but be warned; it can be a strenuous hike!
Take Some Photos Of The Welcome Sign
Located just outside or actually at the beginning of the town, the Coober Pedy Welcome Sign is a great spot to take some photos. This sign offers a great view of the desert landscape in the background. It looks especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
It’s a popular spot for tourists and makes for a great souvenir photo. So, be sure to stop by and snap a few photos while you’re in town!
Admire The Milky Way
Finally, don’t forget to admire the night sky while you’re in Coober Pedy. This town is located in one of the parts of Australia with the least air pollution and offers a great view of the Milky Way at night.
The clear desert air makes it the perfect place to stargaze while enjoying a cool desert breeze. You’ll be amazed at how many stars you can see up close!
There is plenty to do in Coober Pedy, from exploring the town’s interesting history to admiring the stunning desert landscape. Coober Pedy is a fascinating and unique destination that you should add to your travel bucket list.
There is something for everyone in this out-of-the-way town with its quirky underground hotels, interesting history, and abundance of opals. I bet you’ll love it and feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
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Explore Coober Pedy with my favorite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, and the best deals and they are user-friendly.
- Skyscanner – Flight deals
- Trip – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- Wise – Money transfer
- VisitorCoverage – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
